A/N: Gratuitous violence you desire? Gratuitous violence you shall receive!
Conference you desire? Seebs to write about conference… maybe next chapter.
XXxxXX
"Catalyst Ammunition, a personal favourite of ONISAD. Contained within the metal case or the hard-light shell, is a unique type of radiation that literally dissolves the victim into luminous coloured ash (either cobalt or ember), before vaporising. The Radiation targets the subject's central nervous system, making it particularly effective in helping the removal of bodies, and hindering Flood expansion.
Cobalt Catalyst Rounds does not have the same devastating effect as Gold Catalyst Rounds. The purpose being is that there are times when targets are needed to be taken alive. Hence, whenever a subject is hit with the CCR, only a small portion will be vaporise, whereas complete vaporisation will occur with GCR. That being said, Catalyst Modules for DEW and Catalyst rounds for ballistic weapons are extremely expensive, and that the Modules have a tendency to overheat rapidly.
But that is not the only flaw. Positronic Brain Lattice dampens catalyst effects quickly, rendering it virtually useless on those with the implants.
Addendum: Positronic Brain Lattice that have been assimilated by Flood form, will no longer dampen catalyst."
-UNSC Military Report on Catalyst Munitions
XXxxXX
ABOARD SSV NORMANDY SR-2, ANNOS BASIN – PRANAS, MILITARY SUMMIT
Jane stood in the meeting room aboard the ship, looking across at the new addition to the elite cadre of soldiers. ONISAD Operatives stood off to her left, hands clasped behind their back, and a serious look on their face. They stood in stark contrast to the Spartan-IVs in both attire and mannerisms. Shepard could tell that Palmer used to be more heavily involved with the UNSC's Spartan branch; the former UNSC Marine was conversing with Rook and Wizard in a calm manner, talking about the UNSC Scientists they've worked alongside with in the past.
There was John in his black Spartan-II dress uniform; he was talking to Keyes about the latest generations of weapons which had just recently arrived. Melee Weapons with catalyst hard-light blades, SABR-A2 Rifles with Catalyst Module/Ammunition, Z-180D Close Combat Rifle (Scattershot)/Asymmetric Engagement Mitigator and MA9L Individual Combat Weapon Systems were amongst the weapons cache.
Finally, Admiral Anderson, he stood two Shepard's left, cleanly shaven, freshly cleaned, and wearing his new dress blues. The Summit had just ended, and by the look of things, Anderson looked pissed. He and Admiral Hood had travelled to the diplomatic ship in order to negotiate things further.
"So how'd it go?" Jane asked. Everyone stopped their conversations and turned to listen.
"Lots of people asking for help. Hood and Victus managed to avert another war. " Anderson answered, placing both of his hands on the oak wood table. "Old feuds run deep."
Shepard frowned. This galaxy had a very frustrating group of politicians. But she was thankful that those in charge of the Turian and Krogan, were visionaries.
"The Dalatrass made things extremely difficult," Anderson continued, "she gave us one hell of an ultimatum."
"Such as?" Jane inquired.
A couple of people in the meeting room noticed the lack of formalities between the two, and quickly, an unsaid tension dispersed as they entered a more relaxed stance.
"If we want the krogan's help, we need to cure the genophage."
"I take it the Dalatrass went ape shit," Shepard said bluntly.
Anderson nodded. "She took a hard lined stance, but Urdnot Wrex, well, he didn't come to the table without another hand."
The Admiral projected a video footage that the krogan had given to him. The image was clear, but was narrow in vision. The sound of rustling was quite prevalent, but what Shepard saw, was undeniable.
"A salarian scientist, Maelon, was on Tuchanka. Working on a cure."
"I was there, his methods were barbaric," Shepard added.
"I know," Anderson said, "the Dalatrass sent in a team of STG to clean house. The female krogans who survived the experiments were taken prisoner, they are immune to the genophage. Wrex demands them to be returned."
"Rock and a hard place for the salarians."
"Indeed. But the Dalatrass has agreed to the terms. Here are the coordinates for the females. They're on Sur'Kesh. As a Council Spectre, you can oversee the exchange, Shepard."
"I'm on it."
"But the Coalition have to remain in orbit," Anderson frowned, "unless if something unexpected occurs."
That small statement earned murmurs of unease from the UNSC cohort, but no complaint was voiced.
"Once we have the krogans on board, that she help free up a few things," Anderson said. "I'll see you all later."
With that, Anderson left for his ship to return to the Citadel and coordinate resistance in Alliance Systems that are still under threat from Reaper forces.
Shepard turned to face the ONISAD team. From the shred of information Keyes and John had fed her, they were one of the longest standing wetwork operatives. Superb in their ability to train resistance fighters, assassinate individuals via unconventional and conventional methods, and root out opposing cells. However, Jane noticed that one of them was a woman, and that her mannerisms had a gung-ho military edge to it. Whereas the other two, had the professionalism of bureaucracy, there attire was similar to John, but it lacked the chrome stripe and insignia.
"Arca," she said.
The man turned his luminous blue eyes on her.
"What's the news on resistance?" Shepard asked.
Arca gave Keyes a quick look, who gave a quick nod of authorisation. The Paramilitary Officer brought up the galaxy map, and outlined key systems.
"Intel from Prowlers says that the vast majority of Reaper forces are forming a Maginot line along the Attican Traverse," he said neutrally. "Systems Alliance Space is still mostly under Reaper control. They have their forces shipping genetic material back into their controlled regions."
"They're expanding their forces," John added.
"Yes Chief," Lotus said, "Outer and Inner Council Space are having their border's pressed on. Sangheili fleets are doing whatever they can, but they're being stretched thin. We can't risk having heavy casualties. Griffin and Prowlers are doing hit and run tactics whenever they can. Most of the Reaper casualties will be around the relays, so watch yourself."
Jane's brow furrowed. Even with the Coalition, there's still going to be a lot of casualties.
"It's still too early to enact Hammer-Down protocols," Keyes added, "still to many systems with survivors."
"But the moment those systems are wiped clean…"
"They get Nova'd," the scientist finished.
"We've got people on the ground scouting out planets," Arca said. "All Special Force teams are on deployment across ever theatre of war, but without heavy support, there's not much they can do against a ship."
Jane paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. "Alright, meeting adjourned. Let's get to Sur'Kesh. EDI, plot a course for us."
"Of course, Shepard," the AI responded.
When the team dispersed, most of them headed down to the armoury, like Shepard. Each and every one of them was waiting to test the new toys that Navy and Army Special Weapons had sent them. Deciding on what to take with her to Sur'Kesh, she settled for a Sabre-H, an M87R-S SMG and a M11DEW sidearm.
The ground team she was going to take with her consisted of Garrus, Liara, Javik and Vega. The Prothean decided to stick with his own weapons, T'Soni picked the M87R-SMG, and was taught by Keyes how to use it effectively. Both Garrus and Vega took the MA9L ICWS, and their own preferred customised sniper rifle and shotgun, respectively.
Moving into the firing range, Shepard took the far firing station and levelled the Sabre. The rifle quickly assembled itself in her hands and pulsed a cool blue, signalling that it was ready to fire. She aimed down its hovering sights, and squeezed the trigger.
Bolts of blue energy lashed down the range and through the target dummies. A strong thick mist of ionised air always trailed in the wake of the weapon fire, and a thick cloud of a blue hue always surrounded the point of impact. Shepard knew that the weapon would be an extreme psychological deterrent on the enemy… if they had a conscience of course.
A few metres to her left, Arca and Lotus were testing the EMBR-240A2. They seemed impressed with its bullpup design and the integral sound annulment module. The rifle's compact design allowed the barrel to be extended, adding more magnetic coils, hence increasing accuracy and muzzle velocity. However, the two Operatives were testing the weapons without the silencers engaged. Bullets breaking the sound barrier at blistering speeds were creating a deafening crescendo, making Jane wish she had worn ear muffs.
She looked at their target down range, and it looked like a grotesque parody. The automatic fire from the Ember rifles absolutely shredded the target and its armour. Thankfully, Shepard could still hear Palmer's whistle of approval.
The newly inducted ONISAD Operative picked up an M770 Special Application Sniper Rifle, one of the DEW sniper rifles in the UNSC's armament, and attached a light annulment module to reduce its signature. She slapped in a fresh clip, and zeroed in on the targets. In a few quick moments, half a dozen targets had a smouldering stump where their head once was.
…
Within the armoury, John looked over the weapons he had at his disposal. Looking at the SABR-HA2 model in his hand, he noticed how they bore a remarkable resemblance to the Forerunners' Z-750 SASR. With most of the cadre testing the weapons, the Spartan had decided to sit it out. He'd picked up many weapons and used them easily without prior training, so it was no big loss that he couldn't test them now.
Leaning on the bench, he pulled out the deployment roster on his tacpad. Hood had left with the Logistics Fleet. Fhajad was tagging along 22nd Fleet with Red Team. Gray Team was deployed behind enemy lines. As always, John thought.
Assigned with the Normandy was UNSC Destroyer Divinus, commanded by Commander Miranda Keyes. The Chief wished there could be more ships assigned to the task force, but things were already stretching thin for the Coalition as is. The Arbiter did mention something about having Shadow of Intent on standby.
…
Satisfied with weapon performance, Keyes led Fifth Element towards a locker of melee weapons. A small hiss came as he popped the seals, revealing three swords.
"I had these made for you," Keyes said, "they're to replace the ones you lost. In built catalyst modules. Biomass will disintegrate when touched."
Bryce received a Katana, and at the will through his implants, plasma spread along the blade.
"Donnie, I think this is the best present I've received in a long time," he thanked.
"Read the blade."
The Operative's eyes shifted down to the section near the hilt, and to his great joy, were the words, We are brothers, to the end and beyond, engraved in Chinese on one side, and Japanese on the other.
"You spoil him too much," Sarah said.
"I agree," Adrian added.
Palmer was given two lengthened ninjato (to suit her size) for dual wielding, while Adrian received a long blade, with a minor gradual curve at the last third of the blade, the hilt was also curved too. It was reminiscent of a cross between an oriental blade and an Arabic weapon.
"Thanks Keyes," Adrian said.
"Length can be adjusted, and they fold away neatly too," Keyes added.
Palmer raised an eyebrow and moved the blade to her thigh holsters, the moment she let go, seams appeared on the blade and split apart, reforming into a harmless cylinder with a hilt.
"Enjoy guys."
XXxxXX
SUR'KESH – SALARIAN SPECIAL TASKS GROUP RESEARCH BASE.
Shepard gazed out of the Alliance Kodiak's viewport, watching the beautiful mountainous green landscapes of Sur'Kesh stretch far out below the rays of the sun.
"This is the salarian homeworld we're headed to Wrex," Jane said, turning her attention on the clan leader. "They aren't used to seeing krogan here, so let's keep it simple."
Wrex starred at the towering human, who he once knew to be of average size.
"We land, get the females, and leave before anyone changes their mind," she finished.
"I still don't trust a word they say," he growled.
"Be friendly Wrex," Jane warned in that no-nonsense tone of hers, "we can't risk having another war right now. But by all means, if they start backtracking, use the angry krogan act when necessary."
"Who says anything about acting?"
"Just… try to keep it verbal."
"These females are the best and probably last hope for my people," Wrex said.
"We'll bring them back, Wrex," Liara reassured, "don't worry."
"I appreciate that Liara," the Krogan said sincerely, "I wouldn't want anyone else along for the ride."
Garrus coughed, rather loudly and strained, too exaggerated to be real. Wrex turned to face the turian.
"I suppose I can make room for you too, Garrus," the clan leader said, before letting a low hearty chuckle.
"Figured you'd gone soft sitting on your throne, forgot how to hold a gun," Vakarian poked.
"He wouldn't be king then, would he?" Javik said, his low rolling voice filling the Kodiak.
Shepard was slightly annoyed that she couldn't take the Osprey with her; Cortez seemed to share the same sentiment too.
"Who's that?" Wrex asked.
Jane looked at Javik. "He's a Prothean," she answered, grabbing hold of the overhanging beam.
"Sometimes I'm not sure if the Normandy's a warship or a travelling freak show," Wrex said, expressing his view of the unique cadre. "But as long as he can hold a gun… I think we'll be fine. Then again, look at you. Don't know what happened, but I'd think you'd give a krogan a run for his money in melee."
"Thanks… I guess."
From the cockpit, Cortez's voice came through. "Commander, I have the salarian base on sensors."
"Set her down," Shepard ordered.
Cortez weaved the shuttle through the tree covered cliff face, reminiscent of China's coastal regions. Rivers and waterfalls streamed through the valleys, surrounding the salarian base, and giving it an advantageous position. The Kodiak hovered over the landing pad, billowing up gusts of air.
"Commander, salarian ground control says we don't have clearance to land," Cortez said worriedly as Shepard entered the cockpit.
"Tell them the dalatrass authorised this herself."
"I knew they'd never keep their word!" Wrex growled. He walked up to the doors and opened the hatch. "Let's see them try to stop a krogan airdrop."
"Wrex!" Jane growled.
The Krogan launched him through the air with a growl, and landed with a loud thud.
"We have an unauthorised landing," a salarian STG officer said.
"And who authorised you to hold my race hostage?" Wrex growled. With a swift movement of his arms, he encased himself in a mist of biotics, and hurled the two guards into the walls. The krogan didn't kill them, but he did knock them a bit.
STG operatives quickly took up defensive perimeters. Snipers activated their laser pointers and trained them onto the krogan, as a warning gesture. Shepard quickly jumped onto the ground, using her biotics to dampen the fall.
"Halt!" a salarian barked.
"Hold your fire!" another salarian ordered. Unlike the rest of his colleagues who were wearing white armour, his was jet black, signifying superior rank. His tone was worried and stressed. Considerable since the following events could quite very well spark another war with the krogans. "Commander Shepard, restrain your colleague. We only found out about this transfer a few moments ago."
"I'd like to avoid a diplomatic incident," Jane said in agreement.
"As would we," the salarian said, relieved.
"But you have something valuable to Wrex."
"Something worth dying for," the Krogan added.
"This matter can be resolved," the salarian said, his stress levels breaking through again, "but I must insist he remain under guard."
Wrex grunted and growled.
"I can handle this Wrex," Shepard said firmly.
"Anything goes wrong and all bets are off!"
Cortez landed the Kodiak onto the landing pad, while a squad of salarians stood close guard. The salarian officer led Shepard and her team towards the wing's foyer. She took the time to admire the décor. For a species with an extremely high rate of emotional processing, they certainly had good taste.
"I'm Padok Wiks," the salarian officer said, "and I appreciate your understanding, Commander. With war on everyone's mind, our people are on edge."
An ominous roar drew Jane's attention, to an overhanging cell being transported along the rails. It was a yahg, a violent species with a bitter past with humanity. She could feel her skin crawl as she watched the being smash against the containment barriers.
The tips of Liara's tentacles flushed deep lavender, showing the increasing stress levels in her body.
"Careful!" a salarian yelled, "watch the containment barriers."
"I'd hope to never see one of those again," the asari said with mixed emotion.
"As you can see, this base contains sensitive information," Wiks supplied.
That explains everything, Jane thought, she had an intuitive mind, being able to draw conclusions like these were not much of a stretch for her. No wonder they don't want the UNSC down here… salarians might've learned of the Coalition's existence because of the yahg, definitely explains the lack of reaction from the salarians.
"What kind of work goes on here?" Jane asked, facing Wiks.
"Evolutionary trials," Padoks listed. "Morphological simulation. Exogenetic assessment."
"Nothing is ever simple with salarians is it?"
"Science has always been our best defence. The research we do here has kept Sur'Kesh safe for millennia."
"Does that include studying lost krogan?" Jane asked in a patronising manner.
"The females were in poor health when we found them on Tuchanka," Padoks explained. "they were brought here to stabilise their condition."
"This whole planet smells wrong," Wrex said, being led away by a squad of salarian soldiers.
"I'd like to see them," Shepard said.
"Of course, I'll need to clear you for the lower levels," Padoks complied, "give me a few minutes and meet met the elevator."
The salarian left for a console on the far side of the balcony, allowing Jane to go check up on Wrex.
"This is where all you salarians come from, huh?" he questioned a guard, "No wonder you're so soft. Too busy writing poetry about waterfalls." He turned to Shepard's team. "Shepard, I don't like this. I should be the one going in."
"How about you stay here and we only fight one war at a time?" Jane scolded.
"That was just good old-fashioned krogan hot air," Wrex said jovially, "if it'd been real, they'd be dead."
"So who tipped you off about this place?" Jane asked.
"Sorry Shepard, but they're listening to every word we say," he faced the Salarian gaurds. "I prefer my salarian liver served raw!"
The guards squinted their eyes and furrowed their brows, clearly expressing their frustration.
"He is correct," Javik added, "it was a… delicacy in our cycle."
"Glad we agree," Wrex said, he turned his head too look at Liara directly. "Besides, you'd think this is the kind of thing the Shadow Broker would know about. Too bad I don't know him… or her."
Liara shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her armour plates clashing as she did so. "I'm sure the broker was very busy," the Asari said.
Shepard ignored the comment. "Back on the Normandy, you said Reapers were sighted on Tuchanka."
"Clans Jorgal and Ravanor sighted a few landing parties," Wrex explained. "The Reapers are up to something. Tuchanka may be a pile of radioactive rubble, but it's our pile, and we'll fight to the last krogan to keep it that way."
"And that's exactly what it will take," Javik said cryptically.
"We're krogan. We're ready," Wrex said proudly.
"You can never be prepared for what's coming," Javik said cynically.
"Coalition sweeps the Reapers aside, and you're still pessimistic," Wrex wondered out aloud, "must've been a helluva fight."
"Alright, I better go, be back soon."
Walking over to Wiks, Jane spotted Kirrahe, and decided to say hello. He had helped her in the fight against Saren on Virmire, and a few minutes of kind words was something she could do with.
"Commander Shepard, your taller than I remembered," the salarian greeted warmly. "It's Major Kirrahe, I heard you were coming."
"Good to see you again," Jane beamed, shaking the Salarian's hand, "sounds like you've been promoted."
"Yes, due in no small part to our mission on Virmire, 'hold the line'. You saved my men that day."
"Good to see a friendly face Major," Garrus smiled, well, whatever counted as a smile for a turian anyway.
"Garrus Vakarian, always a pleasure," Kirrahe smiled. "And same to you Doctor T'soni."
"Major," Liara gave a curt nod.
"It seems the Reapers have a way of bringing us together," Kirrahe said cheerfully, leaning against the console.
"So how'd you get posted here Major?"
"I led the team on Tuchanka that found the females. Nasty business. Maleon may have meant well, but his operation was crude," Kirrahe frowned. He always seemed the more human one out of the salarians. "Test subjects unaccounted for, the females easily escaped his lab."
"What do you think about bringing the female krogan here?"
"Our scientists say it' important to preserve the females. 'Evolutionary paradigms,'" he said, creating quotation gestures in the air. "I saw, when people know you're hiding something valuable, they'll want to steal it. Either way I have my orders. They'll be your problem soon enough."
"I guess were both still feeling the effects of Virmire," Jane shrugged.
After a few more minutes of light conversation, and hastily introducing Javik, to which Kirrahe had initially believed to be an intricate cosmetic surgery for psychological warfare against the Reapers, the team bid the Major adieu, before heading to Wiks.
"And Commander, regardless of what the diplomats say," Kirrahe added, "you have my support in retaking Earth."
"You do that?" Jane asked, both surprised and thankful.
"Consider it a favour," the Major smiled, "it would be an honour to fight alongside you again. Good day."
Even through the severity of the galaxy's current situation, the salarians were still cracking jokes, most of which were cynical and satirical, but funny nonetheless. However, there were concerns about security leaks within the base, that were being voiced.
"We've got unknown aircraft skirting our air defences," a salarian soldier said to Wiks.
"Must be testing us, I don't like it, not with everything going on. Have our people on standby."
"Yes sir," the soldier complied, before running off to tend to his assigned tasks.
"You have clearance to see the females, Commander," Padoks said, placing down the holopad. "I hope we can resolve this matter without re-enacting the krogan rebellions."
"So what do you think about handing over the krogan?" Jane asked, testing the morality of the salarian.
"I differ from most of my colleagues;" he said animatedly, "curing the genophage will bring closure to this issue. In the future, the krogan may yet play some role we can't even imagine. We should let the revolutionary process decide who lives and dies. Not galactic politics."
"Thanks for your time."
"Of course," Wiks said, crossing his arms, "proceed into the elevator when you're ready."
Walking up to the doors, a blue light shot out and scanned the Spectre.
"Now take this elevator down and someone will…"
An alarm interrupted Padoks's instructions. "Alert! Threat condition two has been declared. Scramble readiness teams."
"What's happening?" Jane asked. The based exploded in a fury of motions as STG Operatives and Salarian soldiers scrambled to their stations. Wiks activated his Omni-tool to get readout of what was happening.
"Sensors have picked up activity on the perimeter," he gestured towards the elevator, "hurry Commander, someone will meet you below."
Entering the elevator, Shepard could feel the engines whine as the platform descended into the depths of the Research Base. There was unease in the air, and multiple factors played a part in it. She wished the other Spartans were here, John in particular. But her friend couldn't come, unless they wanted to risk some diplomatic turmoil.
The Dalatrass is one fucking bitch, Jane thought. Never makes anything easy.
As the elevator doors parted open, Shepard and her team stepped into the dim blue lights of the underground chamber. It was a stark contrast to the sunshine, open air and running waters that lay above. Over the intercom, a controller relayed contingency protocols to be carried out. Salarian scientists were running from console to console, checking the integrity of systems.
Jane's lips curled into a small smile when she saw who was waiting for them. He had red pigmented skin, white lab coat with a central red strip, and a shortened horn that didn't look like a birth defect.
"Shepard! Excellent timing. Good to have you here," Professor Mordin Solus greeted.
"Mordin?" Jane beamed.
"Eyesight still sharp. Surprise understandable. Hadn't expected to return to work. More or less surprised about your size."
"So I've been told," Jane said, rubbing the back of her neck.
"He has a peculiar way of speaking," Javik complimented.
"A Prothean? Excellent," Mordin said, as if he was commenting on the weather.
"You're back with STG?" Garrus asked.
"Special consultant," Solus explained, "had to be me, someone else might have gotten it wrong."
He quickly looked around, before dropping his voice into a low register and whispered, "Helped female krogan. Fed information to Clan Urdnot. Encouraged political pressure to free females."
"You must be Wrex's inside source," Jane concluded
"Mind still sharp, excellent. Yes. Can explain later. Security warning not normal. Need to get off world for sake of krogan."
The scientist began leading them towards the containment chambers. "Females had weakened immune system. Side effect of Maelon's cure."
Mordin gestured to the body bags. "These," he breathed in sharply, "didn't survive."
"Well what about Maelon's research? I thought we saved it," Shepard said.
"Indeed," Solus confirmed, "data saved, but not complete. Lacks crucial details to reconstruct cure, but still useful from synthesising tissue… couldn't save them."
"I'm sure you did everything you could, Mordin."
"Arrived too late. Cannot delay now," Mordin's voice picked up in urgency, "one survivor. Immune to genophage. Can synthesise tissue from her tissue."
"She's still here?" Jane asked as Mordin led her down a flight of steps
"Yes, last hope for krogan. If she dies, genophage cure… problematic."
Mordin lead the group to a containment cell, where a krogan female was kept stable in a pod.
"Please be careful, krogan slow to trust."
"I'm Commander Shepard, Alliance Navy," Jane said softly.
"Are you here to kill me?" she asked. Her voice was old, and her tone was weary, as if all the fight in her was gone.
"Goddes," Liara gasped, reading the bioscans from her Omni-tool, "what she's been through."
"Urdnot Wrex and I are here to take you home," Shepard answered.
"Why? What am I to you?"
"Have the salarian's been mistreating you?"
"Those were my sisters you saw back there. They died in a lot of pain."
"Did the best we could," Mordin said, bowing his head out of respect.
"And now I know I'm the only one left. That makes me dangerous to a lot of people," the Krogan Female said. "What about you Commander Shepard? Why are you here?"
"You're the future of the krogan race. I'm fighting for that," Shepard answered.
Alarms began to chatter, and sirens began to wail.
"The I hope you brought an army," the Krogan Female said, understanding the gravity of the alarms.
"Alert, unidentified vessels have breached the perimeter," the controller said. Immediately, the salarians began enacting contingency protocols. They moved their research data to offsite locations, while preparing to wipe current copies.
Shepard overheard one of the salarians say that their communications had been severed.
"What's happening?"
"We have multiple ships, inbound!"
Shepard activated the helmet, the pieces extended from her armour and reassembled around her head, obscuring her face. Some of the salarian's eyes widened in surprised as they witnessed the technological achievement.
Jane quickly activated the distress beacon, before unslinging her Sabre-H, it was time to get to work.
XXxxXX
ABOARD SSV NORMANDY-SR2, SUR'KESH, LOW ORBIT
"Sure you want to go, Keyes?" Arca asked.
The scientist looked at him, and nodded.
"Alright, but I'm taking point then."
"Fine by me."
Keyes' MJOLNIR Armour snapped into place as he fitted them onto his hydrostatic gel/Positronic suit. John on the other hand, just simply walked into his armour. The plates split open, allowing him to enter, and resealed again, encasing him in the most powerful UNSC model to date. Nanite/Positronic tendrils linked with his bodysuit, before interfacing with his neural pathways and muscle structure.
ONISAD, not being able to afford the luxury of fully autonomous armour, the Operatives were forced to put each piece of their Tactical Stealth Suit on manually. If Palmer felt uncomfortable about wearing armour that was more revealing, as in figure hugging, then she didn't show it. She however did express her distaste in the inferior defensive capabilities to the MJOLNIR.
Satisfied that everyone's gear was in full working order. John opened the hangar doors, the containment barriers kicked in to prevent a decompression.
"Ah, HALO jump," Lotus muttered, "what joy."
Joker had positioned the Normandy above the salarian base. Shepard's mayday call had been relayed to Commander Miranda Keyes, who was also moved Divinus into a geosynchronous orbit.
"Chief?" it was Cortana, her voice came through crystal clear over the COMs.
"Go ahead."
"Cerberus forces are attacking the base, how they made it onto the Sur'Kesh is beyond me. Your best bet is to attack from the south and east, and secure an LZ for Shepard."
"Try and hold off bombardment," John said, not wanting to create undue concerns.
"Copy Chief. I'll keep an eye out."
With the sun in the corner of their eyes, John led the group of Spartans out of the ship and into a high altitude free fall. The Spartan could see a platoon of ODSTs drop in via pod insertion, and behind them, followed the Airborne. But he also spotted another group performing a HALO jump; it was Third Element, another ONISAD team, led by Sandman.
Reaching the lower atmospheres, John could hear the air howling past. And in a silent agreement, the jumpers activated their thruster packs, slowing their descent.
"This is Hunter Three," said a middle aged, male voice, evidently an ODST platoon, "we're on the ground."
John's enhanced vision allowed him to see squads of Helljumpers deployed in a double pincer formation, putting pressure on Cerberus, while allowing Airborne to join the battlefield safely.
Divinus wasn't a frigate, hence it's on board compliments were more for defending the ship, rather than participate in incursions. But exceptions had to be made, probably why Lasky and another General assigned a company of Airborne to the ship.
The group touched down softly on a rocky outcrop, brushing past a few trees on the way in. The last of the UNSC forces landed groundside on the surrounding cliff edges, John began to issue orders.
"Hunt and kill all Cerberus forces, create a perimeter and keep them in."
Acknowledgement lights from unit COs winked on John's HUD. Ospreys flew in and dropped their chalks of Talons and light vehicles. Helljumpers retrieved Grendel and Missile Launchers from their body, preparing to shoot down any Cerberus shuttle.
"Chief, I've detected no Cerberus forces outside of the perimeter," Cortana supplied, "main bulk of enemy forces are at the southern end."
"Copy," John then switched to other channels, "begin the advance."
ODSTs and Airborne crashed through the forest, combing out Cerberus snipers and mortar teams, while Talons flew overhead as sniper support.
"Sierra One-one-seven," the COMs crackled, "this is Third element, Sandman. We're at the northern end of the base."
"Copy, set up sniper positions, and coordinate the perimeter," the Chief said, "I'm going in."
"Acknowledged, good hunting, out."
John gestured to Arca and said, "Move in from the east, I'll take Keyes, Rook and Wizard in from the south."
"You got it Chief."
The Spartan than flicked his COMs to encrypted channel and contacted Shepard.
"Jane?" he called over the private COM. He could hear Shepard's heavy panting, and the sound of alarms.
"I'm here," she gasped, "we've got the Krogan Female, almost at the top."
"I'm groundside with a few teams, we're coming in."
"Got it."
John frowned slightly when the COM switched off. There was something wrong. He knew the Krogan Female would be the target, and would've expected a massive mayday call from Shepard, but she didn't send one. Just a warning message. He expected that the Illusive Man would've sent in the people that killed Crimson Two. But now was not the time for those thoughts. If those guys weren't here, they'd probably have been shot down by the Claymores, or they never went to Sur'Kesh at all.
Sprinting to the edge of the cliff, the Spartan dug his heels into the rock, and flung himself across the water before using his thruster pack to get him the rest of the way. Rook, Wizard and Keyes followed suit, and pretty soon, they reached the Salarian base.
Quickly, Cerberus troops opened fire on them, but the Spartans were faster. They were already behind cover before Cerberus had pulled the trigger. Rook and Wizard leaned out of cover quickly and fired successive bursts. The unmodified hard light rounds smashed through the flimsy armour, before reaching the flesh and cooking it.
"Target down," Wizard said.
"Move up!" John barked.
He vaulted over the cover, knocking a console onto the burnt floor, and raised his Sabre. At the quick squeeze of the trigger, the Chief turned a counter top into molten metal, depriving the enemy sniper of cover. Keyes quickly finished her off with a shot to the head, before moving on.
…
A FEW FLOORS ABOVE GROUND
With sword in hand, and sidearm in the other, Shepard channelled her biotic abilities through the blade and creating devastating shockwaves and powerful detonations which hurled everything over the edge. Cerberus soldiers screamed in fear as they were displaced by Liara's singularity, allowing her teammates to finish them off quickly
Jane sprinted around the corner, and narrow dodged a phantom's attack. But since Shepard was the faster one, she quickly pirouetted in the air, and slammed her boot into the phantom's face, breaking the visor and smashing the skull. The Cerberus Operative was already dead by the time she hit the floor.
A group of guardians appeared at the end of the balcony, covering a few engineers placing down turrets. With her team still busy with centurions and nemesis. Shepard decided to make herself a distraction to draw Cerberus off her team.
She closed the distant between her and her opponent quickly, propelling herself in a stream of blue light. The resulting shockwave from her attack knocked a couple of guardians off balanced. Adrenaline began to course through Shepard's veins, her world slowed to a crawl, making the slits in the shields easy targets.
In a few short seconds, heads bucked back as bullets bore straight through them, throwing brain and blood matter onto the shattered tiles. Jane sprinted towards the engineers, and before they could pull out their pistols, her blade had already removed their heads, leaving a burning stump behind. A swift curb stomp from her boots ensured that the turrets would never work again.
"Shepard," it was Mordin, "need you to clear us through checkpoint, taking heavy fire."
"Got it!"
Jane noticed that her team was barely keeping up. It was nice to go run wild, and with Spartan enhancements, well that just made things easier. Shepard slammed her fist onto the security console, allowing the Female Krogan's cell to continue on moving.
"All units, be advised, tagging objective. Defend it," Cortana said over the COMs.
Shepard's HUD was updated with a marker that was tagged on the Female Krogan and Mordin's containment cell. The scientist must be going through all kind of stresses, having to worry about the health and safety of the Krogan while hacking through security.
"Everybody, target snippers and centurions, I'll handle the rest," she said over TEAMCOM.
"Got it, Lola," Vega answered.
The team moved along another balcony, however there was a Cerberus ambush waiting for them. At least half a dozen sniper rounds impacted along Jane's shields, but they held steady. The Spectre took cover behind a plant box, sheathed her sword and shouldered her Sabre. With cloak engaged, she raised herself from cover, and fired. The opposing balcony was ripped and melted, killing the ambushers quickly.
Another two phantoms appeared down the hallway, Shepard gestured her team to engage the Cerberus troops, while she handled the ninja's on speed.
Using her biotics, Shepard hurled a bench down the hall, but the phantoms were faster. They summersaulted over the large missile, and landed gracefully on the ground, before advancing on Shepard, palm blasters firing.
The accurate bolts splashed across her chest, and drained the shields marginally. With a roar, Jane unleashed a powerful shockwave down the hall. The forefront of such force, ripped the lightings from the ceilings, tore up tiles and dented the walls. There was no way the phantoms could dodge that, and so, they were consumed by a powerful wave of blue light.
Shepard breathed heavily as she slung her rifle onto her back, and went back to her earlier configuration of sword in right hand and pistol in left.
"Cerberus got here too fast, they must've been tipped off," Garrus commented.
"Every war has its traitors."
Jane led her team through the water soaked passage ways. The fires had dampened but they were still burning.
"You're almost at the top," Wrex said over the COM, "don't let that female die!"
"Jesus Wrex," Shepard snapped, "you need to know how hard it is not to get a bullet in your arse."
The team entered a wildlife chamber, where they got to see the timely demise of a Cerberus trooper, at the hands of a varren. Vega quickly shot the creature, creating a mouldering hole in its head before it could become a problem.
"Down boy," he muttered.
"How's the female," Shepard asked Mordin over the COM.
"Stabilising," the scientist answered, "containment barriers still holding, she will live."
"We've got lives ones in here!" Jane heard a centurion barked.
Cerberus troops were coming in from three directions, top, left and right.
"We'll take the high ground, once they're on me, haul ass to the stairs," Shepard barked.
Before anyone could protest, Jane propelled herself in a stream of biotic light, and slammed into a centurion. She could feel his body disintegrate under the impact, while his comrades were sent flying into the walls, rupturing their internal organs before they had even hit the floor. The Spectre spun on her heels and fired her pistol, slaying Cerberus troopers easily, while her blade burned through the guardian shields.
Reaching back to the balconies again, Jane spotted another ambush at the security checkpoint.
"Take them out!" She ordered, "Don't let them get to the female!"
"Got it," Garrus complied.
But before anyone could pull the trigger, the Cerberus troops dropped dead.
"You guys owe me five credits," Jane heard Palmer say over the COMs. "I've got eyes on Shepard and HVI, keeping them covered."
"Copy that," John's voice sounded over the channels, "all units, sitrep."
"Super Three-two here, doing a flyby, no threats spotted, over."
"Cortana here, no external threats detected."
"Third Element here, our end is clear."
"Fifth Element here, wrapping up with a few stragglers."
"Shepard here, HVI is secure and safe, for now. Moving to extraction point."
"Solid copy," the Chief said, "we'll meet you there."
Finally, reaching back where they started, Jane cleared the final security checkpoint, allowing the containment cell to be opened.
"Alert, incoming threats! Unknown source!" Cortana cried.
"Shepard, heads up!" Wrex warned, he was in Cortez's Kodiak, and the two were acting as another eye in the sky. "You've got multiple hostiles in bound."
John quickly gestured for Keyes, Rook and Wizard to take up firing positions, and have their Achilles pack at the ready. Two Atlas Mechs dropped out of the sky, and landed on the landing pad with a loud screech.
They raised their arms, and on it, were menacing rotary cannons. The massive guns spooled up and unleashed a storm of explosive bullets. Shepard staggered back as a round caught her squarely in the chest, causing her shields to fail as fire washed over her.
"Jane!" Liara cried.
The Chief, having access to Shepard's vitals, knew that she was unharmed, and before he could dive to save her. Jane was already hurling herself forward in a stream of blue light, and slammed head on into the first Atlas. The force from her charge combined with arms fire, drained the mech's shields considerably, allowing Jane to deliver the killing blow. The pilot barely managed to register his fate as Shepard drove her blade into the cockpit, and into his head.
The last Atlas attempted to turn its gun onto the Krogan Female, but John was already ahead of the pilot. He quickly jumped in front of Mordin and the Female, and threw down a bubble shield. Heavy calibre rounds exploded on the protective barrier, allowing Rook to quickly clamber onto the mechs rear, and slam a live grenade into its exhaust.
He quickly back flipped of the vehicle, and threw himself behind cover as the grenade detonated, showering everyone with burning debris.
"HVI is secured," Jane breathed, "let's wrap this up."
XXxxXX
"M770 Special Application Sniper Rifle… more suited to taking out soft targets."
-Master Gunnery Sergeant James Stacker
XXxxXX
A/N: The galaxy is one big place… and I mean really big place. If you haven't noticed it now, I'm trying to invoke that size.
System's Alliance expanded further than the UNSC did, so it is very likely that the Alliance has a numerically larger fleet. UNSC colonised part of the Orion arm.
Well, please review.